Top Recruitment Trends of 2018

Posted on 03/04/2018

Today's job seekers have very high expectations. Recruiters compete for top talent, and to reach this pool of workers, you have to stay on top of the latest recruitment trends.

Gone are the days of sifting through piles of resumes. An emphasis on technology and the desire to offer candidates a more personalized experience has changed the recruitment process completely.

Make sure to stay on top of this year's recruitment trends. Read on to find out what you've been missing out on this year!

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) is part of our everyday lives. The use of AI in recruitment is expected to increase in the years to come.

This technology saves time and makes the recruitment process much simpler. It makes selecting CVs, matching the right candidate to the job, and creating candidate lists easy and fast to accomplish.

Candidates can be assessed and the list narrowed using computer algorithms. This allows non-biased candidate selection, and many believe this is a fairer process than human selection techniques.

Positive Experience for Candidates

Positive candidate experience is a growing trend, and today's top candidates expect it. A negative candidate experience is bad for the candidate and can be damaging to a company's brand.

More and more, companies are paying attention to their employee's wellbeing. They want their employees to be happy, fulfilled, and engaged.

They're offering perks and incentives to retain good employees. And this begins with the recruitment process.

Employers can now use applicant tracking software with automated response capabilities to ensure a positive candidate experiment.

Data-Driven Recruitment

Data-driven recruitment is one of the recruitment trends that's expected to grow in popularity. It's a time saver for employers. Using analytics and algorithms, the screening process is simple and fast.

Data-driven recruitment allows applicants' information to be analyzed to see if they should or shouldn't move on in the selection process. Although this trend isn't widely used at this time, it's expected to boom as actionable analytics grows in popularity.

Generation Z Recruits

The recruitment landscape is changing as Generation Z recruits enter the workforce. This generation follows the Millennials, and their expectations for employment are different.

These recruits are less likely to stay with just one job and are more likely to get contract-based, short-term, or remote work. They are part of the gig economy, meaning they are likely to have a side gig to make extra money.

This generation is also attracted to laid back companies without a rigid dress code who place a strong emphasis on social or environmental responsibility.

Remote Work

As the world becomes more connected through technology, remote work is exploding. Companies hoping to get the best candidates are increasingly offering remote work opportunities for employees.

Many offer flexible working hours and the opportunity to work from home. This allows companies to hire the best employees across the globe.

Employers are using applications such as instant messaging and Skype to screen applicants. And cloud accessible software and shared drives make remote work convenient for employees and cheaper for employers.

Offering flexible remote opportunities is one of hottest recruiting trends and is only expected to grow in the future.

Diversity Hiring

There's been a lack of diversity in many industries such as tech and government jobs in the past. Companies are increasingly making diversity a priority, and this is expected to continue.

The goal of many companies is to create an inclusive environment for employees. Many are using technology such as AI to increase diversity hiring and reduce bias.

Diversity isn't just about race, although that's a factor. Companies consider age, gender, disability, and cultural background as well in their quest to have a diverse, productive workforce.

Offering Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are nothing new, but they continue to be a way to attract highly qualified young candidates. Although this has been popular in trade-related jobs and manufacturing, white-collar apprenticeships are used to attract young talent.

Some companies work with universities to recruit top candidates, and it's a way for a young employee to build loyalty with a company from the start.

Providing Learning Opportunities

Today's top candidates are looking for companies that provide opportunities for growth and advancement. Before accepting a position, they consider how a job will benefit their future.

There's a growing trend toward employee training and development to keep good employees while they learn new skills. Employees who feel valued as professionals are more likely to stay in their position.

Employers can offer incentives such as an increase in salary, bonuses, or promotion for employees who participate in learning opportunities.

Competitive companies promote a learning culture and tie education to career advancement for their employees. And candidates are looking for these opportunities.

Educational opportunities help attract the best candidates and ensure employees stay current and adaptable in their field.

Take a Marketing Approach

Employers should take a marketing approach to finding top talent. Where and how you market available positions matters.

You want to reach the right candidates with the right job description. Candidates will look at your ad, and if it's not worded just right, they won't respond.

The workforce is diverse and expanding. A one-size-fits-all marketing approach no longer works.

You must customize your approach to reach your target audience. Using technology and data, recruiters know more about that target audience and what it takes to win them over.

Using technology to narrow the field of candidates and speed up the hiring process is smart, but building an authentic relationship with the right candidates is key.

Take Advantage of Recruitment Trends

As you can see, there are so many exciting recruitment trends to consider!

If you have questions about how to find the right job candidates for your business, our recruitment specialists would love to assist you. Contact us today.